The strong gusts of wind forecast for this weekend have forced Valencia City Council to order the total closure of parks and gardens, including the Turia Gardens, and to suspend the Chinese New Year celebrations.
This decision responds to the orange alert issued by the Generalitat’s Emergency Coordination Center, which warns of a “significant risk” due to winds for tomorrow, Saturday, February 14. The safety protocol will remain active for as long as the adverse weather forecast lasts.
The situation presents a high risk due to winds, with orange alerts in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante, where gusts will exceed 90 km/h, and in high-altitude areas, even 100 km/h, in the northernmost part of Valencia.
No outdoor sports and closure of cemeteries
In addition to green areas and the ban on traffic in La Devesa, the City Council has ordered the closure of cemeteries and any public facilities located within these grounds.
In the field of sports, the Municipal Sports Foundation has canceled all outdoor activities that were scheduled to take place in municipal facilities.
Notice to the Fallas and public caution
With the Fallas festivities just around the corner, the weather warning has a direct impact on the Fallas world. The City Council has issued an explicit recommendation to the committees: do not assemble lighting structures or tents while the alert remains in place, due to the instability that these vertical elements may suffer in the face of gusts of wind.
For the general public, the emergency and gardening services—which have reinforced their staff—advise extreme caution. People are asked to avoid walking in wooded areas and to stay away from cornices, scaffolding, and buildings under construction.
At home, the recommendation is to secure doors and windows to prevent drafts, remove flower pots or objects that could fall into the street, and, as far as possible, remain indoors.
As for traffic, drivers are urged to reduce their speed and take special care when driving on viaducts or in exposed areas.